Nintendo has officially confirmed the final hardware specifications for the Nintendo Switch 2, offering a much clearer picture of how the console stacks up to its predecessor—and to the current-gen competition.
🎮 Suggested Reading
The new specs, shared during Nintendo’s closed-door briefing with press and retail partners, confirm many of the rumored upgrades. The system’s CPU, GPU, RAM, and display have all seen significant improvements over the original 2017 model, placing the Switch 2 squarely in hybrid territory between handheld gaming and full console-grade performance.
Nintendo Switch 2 – Final Specs
- Display: 8-inch 1080p OLED touchscreen (720p in handheld mode)
- Processor: Custom NVIDIA chipset with DLSS 3.1 support
- GPU: Ampere-based GPU architecture
- RAM: 12GB unified LPDDR5 memory
- Internal Storage: 256GB SSD (expandable via microSDXC)
- Resolution: Up to 4K docked (via DLSS upscaling)
- Refresh Rate: Up to 120Hz supported in select titles
- Battery Life: Estimated 7–10 hours depending on usage
- Backward Compatibility: Full support for all Nintendo Switch 1 games
How It Compares to the Original Switch
The original Switch launched in 2017 with 4GB of RAM, a 720p LCD screen, and a Tegra X1 chip. In 2025, that’s barely serviceable—even for basic ports. The Switch 2’s move to an Ampere-based GPU and 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM brings Nintendo hardware closer in performance to devices like the Steam Deck or even last-gen consoles like the PS4 Pro.
Most significantly, DLSS 3.1 integration could finally allow Nintendo games to hit 4K without sacrificing frame rate. Combined with the bump to 120Hz refresh rate support, early demos have shown *Mario Kart World* and *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond* running at smooth, upscaled visuals that far exceed anything seen on the previous model.
Why the Nintendo Switch 2 Final Specs Matter for Developers
With upgraded internals, devs can now port or even design games for Switch 2 that were previously out of reach. This opens the door for high-fidelity RPGs, expansive open-world titles, and stronger third-party support.
Studios like Atlus and CD Projekt Red have already confirmed enhanced ports of *Persona 3 Reload* and *Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty* respectively. And with the hybrid model still intact, players can now carry more power on the go—without compromising handheld performance.
Final Thoughts
While not on par with the PS5 or Xbox Series X in raw power, the Nintendo Switch 2 finds its strength in balance. It’s a true upgrade where it counts: resolution, frame rate, loading times, and compatibility. And with full backward support for the Switch library, it provides a clean generational bridge with a familiar form factor.
This isn’t Nintendo chasing specs—it’s Nintendo building the future on its own terms.
🔗 Related: Check out the full list of 60 confirmed Switch 2 games here.
